Gustavo Gutiérrez dies at 96: politicians and relatives react to his death

Last Tuesday, the renowned Peruvian theologian and thinker died at the age of 96. Gustavo Gutierrez Merinoconsidered the father of Liberation Theology. Various political figures, as well as those close to the priest, expressed their regret through messages on social networks, highlighting the legacy he leaves in the academic world and in the defense of the most vulnerable.

The Bartolomé de las Casas Institute, founded by Gutiérrez in 1974, announced the sad news in a statement: “With deep pain, we announce that tonight our dear friend and founder Gustavo Gutiérrez has left. His work and work in favor of the poor and the most discarded in society will continue to illuminate the path of the Church for a more just and fraternal world.” This association, created with the purpose of promoting theological reflection from social reality, has been one of the main platforms from which Gutiérrez projected his thoughts.

Born in Lima in 1928, Gustavo Gutiérrez was a key figure in the Catholic Church and a strong defender of the rights of the marginalized. After studying theology in Europe, he returned to Peru to serve as a parish priest in the Rímac district, in Lima, where he experienced the difficulties of the poorest communities up close. During his life, he wrote multiple articles and books, “Liberation Theology” being his most influential work, translated into several languages and considered a milestone in reflection on the relationship between faith and social justice.

Reactions of political figures

Susel Paredes

For her part, Congresswoman Susel Paredes shared her admiration for Gutiérrez’s position in the Catholic Church, highlighting his courage for going against the current in defense of those most in need. “We say goodbye with deep pain to Father Gustavo Gutiérrez, who was everything that is good in the Catholic Church. Thank you for going against the current, and teaching us the option for the poor, far from the frivolity of the powerful,” said Paredes.

Susel Paredes, congressman, spoke on his official account. Photo: Susel Paredes

Messiah Guevara

The impact of Gutiérrez’s departure was not slow to be felt in the political sphere. The engineer Mesías Guevara, a member of the Morado party, highlighted the intellectual legacy of the theologian in a message published on his X account: “A great Christian and best universal thinker, he left us great teachings and showed us the path to follow to build a society. where there are opportunities for everyone. May God give eternal rest to his soul.”